For those looking to purchase a vacation property, the credit score needed is typically at least 640. This is higher than the 3% down payment required for a primary residence. To qualify for a conventional second-home loan, you may need a credit rating of 725 or even 750, depending on the lender. Your monthly debt-to-income ratio should be strong, and you must document your income and assets to get the loan.
Renting out your vacation home when you're not using it can help defray the mortgage payments. If you plan to rent out your vacation home, make sure your loan officer knows that it is a vacation home and not an investment property. The rise of Airbnb and similar services makes it easier to receive rental income from your vacation home. If you're buying another home as an investment, you may need a higher down payment and interest rate than for a vacation property mortgage.
The credit score required to buy a home may differ depending on the type of loan you want to qualify for, but you need at least 10% down for a vacation home if the rest of your application is strong (high credit score, low debt, etc.). The government does not sponsor vacation home loans, so you will need to look for a lender with more lenient requirements. Home equity loans and HELOCs rely on the net worth of your primary home as collateral for money. If you have enough equity in your home right now, you can use the funds to make a down payment or buy your second home directly.
Buying a second home can be a good financial decision if you plan to use it several times a year and rent it out for additional income the rest of the time. If you can save enough, a cash purchase is the easiest method to pay for a vacation home. The summer holiday season brings joy to many people, but for some, owning a second home all year round brings even more joy.
